The owners of Women’s Professional Soccer appear to have decided to “cancel the 2012 season”
The owners of Women’s Professional Soccer appear to have decided to “cancel the 2012 season,” according to a league-wide email citing ongoing legal proceedings with renegade owner Dan Borislow.
The decision was apparently voted on by WPS’ five owners on Monday morning, and the news was subsequently delivered to WPS players in the email, obtained by National Soccer Wire, which alluded to further information being relayed following Wednesday’s court hearing in Florida between Borislow and league representatives.
Word has already begun to filter out via players and journalists on social networks like Twitter, and the league has reportedly scheduled an announcement for 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon.
“Everyone has been trying so hard to keep things going - considering settlement options, discussing union legal action to intervene in the lawsuit, etc.,” reads the email, “but we just couldn't manage to make things work.”
According to the email, league officials “currently plan to maintain league and team front offices in hopes of resolving outstanding litigation and holding a 2013 season, but details are still evolving.”
Source: Charles Boehm
Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) announced today that its Board of Governors has voted to suspend the 2012 season to permit the League to focus on the resolution of certain pending legal issues and the challenges that now face the League as a result of its ongoing dispute with a former owner.
"We are proud of what the League has accomplished in the first three seasons, but we do recognize the necessity to resolve our existing legal and operational issues so that we can continue to support and grow WPS the right way," said Sky Blue FC Owner Thomas Hofstetter. "This was a very difficult decision, but one we as owners feel is the best business decision for the League at this time."
The Board voted on Monday morning to suspend the 2012 season. Over the last year the league has faced significant challenges, including a lengthy and expensive legal battle with a former owner. The litigation has diverted resources from investment in the league and has forced the Board to take action, suspending the 2012 season in order to address the legal issues head-on before moving forward with competition.
"We firmly believe there is a place in the global sports landscape for Women's Professional Soccer," said WPS CEO Jennifer O'Sullivan. "Making the decision to suspend the 2012 season was a difficult and painful one, but it is necessary to take the time to address current issues and solidify our business in order to provide appropriate support needed to achieve the League's long-term goals. Those that take part in our League - players, partners and fans - deserve the best, and that is what we are taking the time to ensure we deliver when we resume play in 2013 and beyond."
WPS has established its plans to return to play in 2013, and all five owners of the League's existing teams - Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash - will remain active with the CEO, Jennifer O'Sullivan, in the governance of WPS throughout the current year.
"We are deeply grateful to our fans and partners for the tremendous support they have shown for WPS, our players and the sport," added O'Sullivan. "With our supporters and athletes in mind, we are committed to complete the hard work necessary to resume play in 2013 and reestablish WPS as the premiere women's professional soccer league in the world."
Source: WomensProfessionalSoccer.com
Tags: 2012, Football, Professional, Soccer, WPS, Women’s, cancel, decide, owners, season, More…
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on -
This is devastating news to hear!! So sad for the players, coaches and fans.
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Permalink Reply by Lutendo Morris on -
Let's hope that the WPS will resume in 2013 but i guess it will never be the same again because some players may consider flocking to Europe,which can lower the standard of WPS when it resumes.this is a very awful news to all soccer fans
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on
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@Lutendo I hope so too. Seems like it will be tough to start again 2013 as they will need to attract back players who will have hopefully managed to sign for new clubs and some players may not want to risk coming back to WPS if they do not feel secure :/
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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Kanty on -
just read on twitter that english national kelly smith is already looking for a new club, this may bee some ploy, but i doubt it... https://twitter.com/#!/kjs8eng
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on
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I would take a guess that if Alex and Kelly decided to return to Europe, they would rejoin Arsenal Ladies?
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Permalink Reply by vanjory on -
I would think so too. No one would want to return to a unstable league like this. I believe they would rejoin Arsenal Ladies or at least, one of the WSL teams...I am sure they are highly wanted! Hahah..
Women's Soccer United said:I would take a guess that if Alex and Kelly decided to return to Europe, they would rejoin Arsenal Ladies?
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